The Ag. DVCFA-Prof. Henry Alinaitwe (4th R), Incoming DVCAA-Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi (5th R), Outgoing DVCAA-Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba (5th L) and members of Management at the handover ceremony on 2nd August 2024.
“Makerere has made me who I am today; it has nurtured me from a degree holder to a professor, and I will do all that is possible to support this institution” remarked Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba the outgoing Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA) as he handed over office to the Acting DVCAA and Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The handover, held on 2nd August 2024 in the DVCAA’s Senate Building Office was presided over by the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration (DVCFA), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, who represented the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe.
The ceremony was guided by Section F – d of The Uganda Public Service Standing Orders 2021 Edition as pronounced by the Director Internal Audit, Mr. Patrick Akonyet. On hand to witness the ceremony were; Ag. Director Human Resources-Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Director Legal Affairs- Ms. Nanyondo Sumaiyah Sebuta, University Bursar-Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Ag. Director Research and Graduate Training-Assoc. Prof. Robert Wamala, Deputy University Librarian Dr. Ongaya Kizito, Principal Public Relations Officer-Ms. Ritah Namisango and members of the DVCAA and PR Offices.
Assoc. Prof. Kakumba’s term as DVCAA commenced on 1st December 2018 and ended on 30th November 2023, whereupon he was appointed in Acting Capacity until 31st May 2024. Thereafter, Prof. Buyinza was appointed in acting capacity for a period of six months effective 11th July 2024 to 10th January 2025 or until a substantive DVCAA is appointed whichever comes earlier.
Congratulating Assoc. Prof. Kakumba upon the successful completion of his term, Prof. Alinaitwe thanked God that he was able to deliver throughout his term and enable the university to progress especially through the COVID-19 period. “He has really achieved so many things for this institution.”
Prior to outlining some of the accomplishments during his term, Assoc. Prof. Kakumba said, “I am thankful to the Almighty God, to my supervisor Prof. Nawangwe and to my colleagues in top management, academic leaders, administrative and support staff, that I have worked with closely over the last five and a half years as the First Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs)”.
Right to Left: Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, witnesses as Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi receives the handover report from Assoc. Prof. Umar Kakumba.
Some of the accomplishments outlined include:
Set-up and led the team that crafted a proposal to theMasterCard Foundation (MCF) leading to award of a grant totalling US$ 2,017,933 for the e-Learning Initiative
Set-up and led the team that submitted a proposal to the MCF leading to award of a grant totalling US$ 45 millionfor Phase II of the MCF Scholars’ Programme 2023-2033
Led the Committee that crafted a proposal and won a post-doctoral fellowship development grant from the Carnegie Corporation totalling US$ 1,250,000.
Set-up and led team that received seed grant of US$ 49,044 from the University of Cambridge, and now finalising a full US$ 25 million proposal on Climate Change and Sustainability
Led the Committee that crafted a proposal to the Carnegie Corporation leading to award of US$ 1,000,000 to secure capacity development of early career academics (SECA).
Negotiated and secured high-level international training of four Staff and subsequently won a grant from ARUA-Carnegie, to establish the Mak Data Centre.
Chaired Steering Committee that won a grant worth US$ 750,000 (2020-2022) and a successor grant worth US$ 750,000 (2023-2025) from the HP Foundation for building capacity in Impact Evaluation for Evidence-based Decisions (IEED).
As the Institutional focal person for the African Universities Research Alliance (ARUA), championed Makerere’s hosting and participation in eleven (11) Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence (CoRES).
Negotiated and signed an MoU between Makerere and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) on 24th December 2020.
Negotiated and Signed an MoU with Arizona State University (ASU) on 15th June 2023 to build capacity for Quality e-Learning infrastructure, staff training.
Signed an MoU involving Makerere and five (5) other African Universities with the EU-CIVIS Universities Alliance for collaboration in research and innovations projects.
Negotiated and signed an MoU with the University of Pretoria on 14th November 2021 for collaboration in training, joint research, innovations, technology transfer.
Negotiated and signed an MoU with the University of Arizona on 19th April 2021 for a customised degree paths programme (CDP) and/or the world campus experience (WCE) programme.
Signed a Consortium MoU involving Makerere and partner African Universities and autonomous research institutes, on 29th January 2021, for the establishment of the African Institute in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIIKS).
Supported establishment of the MoU (signed on 21st February 2022) with the University Network for Strengthening Macro-Financial Resilience to Climate and Environmental Change.
Conducted six (6) research management training workshops, presided over 100 research symposia and dissemination workshops, revitalised knowledge transfer outputs leading to increased scholarly publications from 900 peer-reviewed Journal Articles in 2020 to 1050 in 2021 and 1432 in 2022.
Championed the institutionalisation and capacity development of the Institute of Open, Distance and e-Learning (IoDEL) at Makerere.
Set up a Taskforce during the CoVID-19 pandemic (in April 2020), to fast-track operationalisation of ODeL policy and framework.
Championed the development and rolling-out ofthe Academic Management Information System (ACMIS); a “home-grown software system solution”.
Revitalised the Makerere University Press (MakPress), successfully publish and launch a total of fifteen (15) book titles, while ten (10) titles are due this year, 2024.
Provided leadership to establish institutional affiliations with training programmes at the National Defence College-Njeru, (2021); Uganda Military Academy, Kabamba, 2019/2020; Police Senior Command and Staff College-Bwebajja (2022); and IGAD Sheikh Veterinary School Somaliland (2020).
Presided over the review of One Hundred Seventy-Six (176) existing programme curricula and thirty-five (35) new academic programmes.
Presided over thirty-four (34) sessions of the Senate Academic Policies and Appeals Committee, and twenty-five (25) Senate Board of Research and Graduate Training.
Presided over successful completion of annual students’ admissions for Makerere University with enrolment numbers (24,684 in 2019/2000); (19,257 in 2020/2021); (20,827 in 2021/2022); (5659 in 2022/2023); and (21597 in 2023/2024).
Refurbished the e-Learning infrastructure with 85% of campus now connected on Wireless hotspots; distributed over 400 Laptop computers, projectors and smart-boards to academic units; scale-up of the e-Learning management system (MUELE).
Coordinated and supervised the successful completion of the 69th, 70th, 71st, 72nd and 73rd graduation ceremonies of Makerere University. A total of 65,092 students (of whom 51% are female) have graduated in the last five (5) years.
In his acceptance remarks, Prof. Buyinza congratulated the outgoing DVCAA upon successfully completing his term of office, adding that the handover ceremony had underlined the need to document all undertakings during one’s term of office. He equally undertook to continue along the trajectory of academic excellence embarked on by his predecessor. “I commit to do all it takes to maintain and consolidate the achievements made by Makerere University during this previous term.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi on Thursday 29th May, 2025 held a press conference to update members of the Media on the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) Medical Drone Programme, and the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety, a collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and the Trauma, Injury, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH). Also presented were updates on; Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts, Digital Supervision of Graduate Students, Inclusive e-Learning and Smart Classrooms, and Launch of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Laboratory at the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
The event held in the Senior Common Room, Main Building, was on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe presided over by the Acting (Ag.) DVC AA and substantive Academic Registrar, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. Presentations were made by Executive Director of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), Dr. Andrew Kambugu and Head of the Trauma, Injuries, and Disability (TRIAD) Unit, Dr. Fredrick Oporia. Dr. Jimmy Osuret and Dr. Esther Bayiga from TRIAD supplemented Dr. Oporia’s presentation. In attendance were; the Director for ICT Support (DICTS)-Mr. Samuel Mugabi, Deputy Chief – Public Relations-Ms. Betty Kyakuwa, Deputy Chief Security Officer-Mr. Musa Mulindwa and other university officials.
The proceedings of the Press Conference follow below;
Vice Chancellors’ Press Statement
Good morning colleagues, members of the press,
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this important media briefing, where we share compelling findings from two groundbreaking studies that reflect Makerere University‘s ongoing commitment to impactful research, innovation, and community transformation.
The first is a pioneering initiative led by the Infectious Diseases Institute—the IDI Medical Drone Programme. This project explores the use of drone technology to deliver lifesaving HIV medications and test samples to hard-to-reach populations, particularly in Kalangala District and the West Nile region. The study demonstrates how drones can overcome logistical barriers, reduce costs, and enhance access to critical healthcare in some of Uganda’s most underserved communities.
The second study is the Kampala Status Summary 2023 on Road Safety Risk Factors, conducted under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety. This collaborative effort between the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit and our Trauma, Injury, and Disability Unit here at Makerere University presents over two years of data on vehicle speed and helmet use in Kampala. It provides vital insights into the human behaviours and systemic gaps contributing to road traffic injuries and fatalities—particularly among vulnerable road users. The study also offers evidence-based recommendations for enforcement, planning, and public health messaging aimed at making Kampala’s roads safer for all.
We are proud to support this kind of research that not only advances knowledge but also drives tangible improvements in public health and safety.
Before I invite the researchers to present their findings, allow me to briefly highlight some transformative developments in the areas of academic registry and ICT advancement here at Makerere University:
Digital Certification of Academic Transcripts:
Alumni can now certify their transcripts digitally through the Makerere Academic Records System (Mak-ARS https://makars.mak.ac.ug/), eliminating the need for physical visits. This user-friendly platform allows access from anywhere in the world, supported by comprehensive video tutorials and public communications.
Digital Supervision of Graduate Students
We have introduced the Research Information Management System (Mak-RIMS), piloted at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, to streamline the supervision of Master’s and PhD research. This initiative enhances accountability, timely feedback, and is now being rolled out university-wide to improve graduation rates.
Inclusive eLearning and Smart Classrooms
Through support from development partners and the Government of Uganda, we are establishing multimedia studios and smart classrooms across our colleges. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to produce professional, accessible learning content, including tools tailored for students with visual and auditory disabilities. This aligns with our goal of equitable, globally competitive education.
Launch of the AI Laboratory at CoCIS:
The newly launched Artificial Intelligence Laboratory will spearhead the development of AI-enabled solutions tailored to Uganda’s socio-economic needs, including localized assistive eLearning tools and context-sensitive curriculum development.
These initiatives are part of our broader vision to transform Makerere University into a research-led, inclusive, and globally relevant institution.
The Senior Program Director, Higher Education and Research in Africa, International Program, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Prof. Omotade Akin Aina on 23rd May 2025 visited Makerere University during his short trip to Kampala. Prof. Aina was received on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe by Prof. Tony Oyana, Principal of the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS).
During his visit, Prof. Aina met with the Project Implementation Committee, representatives from the Consolidating Early Career Academics Programme (CECAP) phase I Fellowship Cohort, and current Fellows of phase II. The meeting discussed the progress of CECAP II, which focuses on fostering academic development and research among early-career academics.
Left to Ritght: Dr. Jesca Nakavuma and Prof. Julius Kikooma alongside Prof. Omotade Akin Aina during the meeting.
CECAP II is being implemented by Makerere University in collaboration with four other Ugandan public universities, including; Busitema University, Gulu University, Kyambogo University and Mbarara University of Science and Technology. Prof. Mukadasi Buyinza, the Project Principal Investigator was represented at the meeting by the Director of Graduate Training, Prof. Julius Kikooma.
The Directorate of Graduate Training at Makerere University has equipped several Senior ranking lecturers with expert knowledge in a Training of Trainers’ workshop on “Philosophy of Methods”.
In his remarks at the opening of a 3-day training workshop at Level4 Conference Hall – Senate Building, the Director of Graduate Training Prof. Julius Kikooma said, “The teaching of Philosophy of Methods gives all participants the fundamentals to extend knowledge to other learners, hence its importance in upholding the Makerere University values.”
Kikooma urged and challenged the participants to also attend and actively participate in the follow up of learners’ training of students, stating that the PhD students need support as the directorate continues to coordinate the curriculum of PhD by-research that was approved by the senate recently.
“To holistically implement the senate approved PhD curriculum, we are coordinating capacity building trainings of all stake holders in a structured approach with the different units of the University. Many more trainings including Training of Trainers in advanced research methods course are on the way.”
He further urged the participants to be intentional in their teaching profession and in whatever they were doing, adding “Apart from focusing on practices as teachers and researchers, we can engage in wider philosophical debates in our research areas so that we are relevant in the society and in the empowerment of PhD research students.”
The participants for the Philosophy of Methods training were from College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and External Studies, Makerere University Business School among others.
During the same training, Dr. Dickson Kanakulya stressed the need to train senior lecturers in the Philosophy of Methods, saying, “The biggest connection is that societal problems require concrete research to find solutions. Our challenge in Africa is that we employ a short barrow approach to find solutions to problems. This cannot work. We need consistent researchers to solve problems. Lasting solutions to societal issues can only be got through training such as Philosophy of Methods, where researchers come up with new models for societal solutions.”
Prof. Julius Kikooma pose for a photo with participants and facilitators.
Dr. Kanakulya said that Makerere University remains the biggest research University in Africa and philosophy of Methods helps to come up with good research tools that produce good research outputs. “Research has shown that the higher the number of PhD researchers in any given country, the higher the levels of development of that country e.g. the USA, China etc., adding that research is not limited to only medicinal or agricultural related issues.”
He said philosophy of methods, encourages philosophical creativity in research, “It is meant to bring out philosophical generation of concepts, theories and ideas. It is meant to encourage students to question the existing philosophical assumptions and status quo in a given field of knowledge such that new philosophical concepts are created.”
For successful rollout of government programs like the National Development Plan 4, Dr. Kanakulya said that Philosophy of Methods training needs to be integrated into such systems. “Philosophy of Methods focuses on ethical thinking aspects. For example, for a better rollout of the Parish Development Model, we need implementers to be ethical.” He added.
Prof. Sulait Tumwiine, the associate Dean of Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research at MUBS said, “This is a discussion where new ideas are shared to guide and gauge applicability in the current knowledge diversity coupled with lots of technological development including Artificial Intelligence and Chat GPT.”
He added, “As professors of Universities, we need to understand how we leverage on what comes up so that it does not take our space, but also appreciate how we can support growth of knowledge. The Philosophy of Methods training is the answer.”
Dr. Jim Spire Ssentongo highlighted that Philosophy uses more of the critical mind than Science. He added that philosophy is more of speculation of the mind.
“Sustainability of philosophy Education encourages us to continue training. Philosophy being the oldest discipline retained special status in the academia as a pinnacle of pursuit of knowledge. All disciplines have major elements of philosophy citing examples in the philosophy of Mathematics and Physics.
Dr. Spire added, “If you do not understand philosophy, you cannot deeply investigate anything because philosophy is the reality of understanding everything. Philosophy is the basis of understanding what knowledge is and how it is arrived at.”
Also participating in the workshop was Prof. Joseph Ntaayi from MUBS, in his remarks he said PhD students need the philosophy of methods training to understand how to best to create knowledge. He added that ontological and epistemological questions that lead to good research design methods can only be answered by this training.
Dr. Robert Kakuru, a Lecturer in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences said that the Philosophy of Methods training is needed by every graduate student as well as supervisors to critically determine the choice of methods to use in academic research. For example, “If one wants to use a questionnaire as an interview approach, one should understand, why that approach and yet without this training, the why cannot be answered.” He added.